The first official Sheep Drive across Southwark Bridge was organised by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen in 2013. It is now a successful annual event for them, enthusiastically supported by other Livery companies and their guests. It also raises significant funds for The Woolmen Charity and The Lord Mayor’s Appeal.
As Freemen of the City of London, we were there to exercise our ancient right to drive sheep (and technically other livestock) across London Bridge without paying a toll. In medieval times this was a privilege given to Freemen of the City in recognition of their status as local traders. It was particularly valuable for sheep farmers who used to drive large numbers of sheep into the City to sell at market. The practice however died out with the introduction of motorised vehicles.
After our registration on arrival at Queen Street Place, we were shepherded around by members of the Guild of Young Freemen of the City of London, unmissable in their flowing red cloaks. Their task was to assemble pre-planned groups of Freemen and their guests and connect them with their assigned sheep waiting on the bridge. It was busy and they did a great job!
In reality we were not really driving the sheep, more like just following them as they seemed to know where they were going! In front of said sheep were a line of sheep handlers, hands down and walking backwards, acting as a barrier to keep them from running off!
Every year the event features an celebrity sheep driver: this year it was British actor and musician, Damian Lewis, who incidentally is the grandson of Lieutenant Colonel Sir Ian Bowater, who was Lord Mayor in 1969-1970.
There was also a bustling Livery Fair on Queen Street where Livery and specialist wool companies celebrated their trades offering information and sales of their wares. Fun live action included sheep shearing, some wonderful rare breed sheep, and wood turning displays from The Worshipful Company of Turners.
29th September 2024
